Puffin: female puppy to adopt

When someone she knows enters the kennel, Puffin displays bouncy and excitable behaviour but remains consistently approachable and happy to engage, actively seeking interaction from familiar and unfamiliar people. No resource guarding behaviours, including around food, have been observed. Puffin accepts handling well and is comfortable wearing a collar, harness, and lead.

While on the lead, Puffin generally walks well but can be strong and occasionally pulls, particularly when excited or stimulated by the environment. During walks, Puffin shows interest in other people and dogs and has been observed barking at horses seen in the distance. She has also been reactive to other people she has seen whilst out and has pulled toward them and barked. The kennel team are working with her by practicing sitting before an issue and distracting with treats.

Puffin has not been formally assessed with children while in kennels. Due to Puffin’s size, strength, and excitable nature, a home with older, dog-savvy children is considered more appropriate, children 12+ would be considered with a successful meet.
Puffin has previously lived with other dogs and does not require another resident dog in the home, although

Puffin may benefit from canine companionship. Interactions with other dogs are typically playful and jumpy, and Puffin would benefit from ongoing support to develop appropriate social manners. There is no history of Puffin growling at or biting other dogs, and Puffin may be suitable to live with another compatible dog following appropriate introductions.

Puffin met cats whilst in Romania and was good but has when she has seen other animals on walks alert behaviour has been noted, including barking at horses in the distance, and caution is advised around unfamiliar animals. She could potentially live with confident dog savvy cats with careful introductions.

Puffin toilets in the kennel and has displayed some destructive behaviours in the kennel environment. Puffin has been observed chewing toys, particularly plastic items, and has also chewed bedding, including a peacock bed.

No signs of separation anxiety have been observed. Puffin has previously been left alone overnight and for up to two hours during the daytime and coped appropriately. When left alone, chewing behaviour remains the primary management consideration and continues to be monitored.

Puffin travels well in the car with no reported issues.

Puffins carers say 'Loves human company. Cuddly and likes to play. Enjoys lots of sniffing on a walk'.

Overall, Puffin is a confident, friendly, and energetic dog who would benefit from continued training focusing on lead manners, impulse control, and appropriate enrichment. Puffin would be best suited to an active home that can provide clear boundaries, ongoing training, and supervision when unsupervised items are accessible.